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Weatherproof electrical enclosure
On an external wall I have a pair of weatherproof sockets, and
from one of them I run a plug lead feed to a box housing a timer and the transformer for my water feature pump, which is off during winter. I also use the timer to feed some of my Christmas lights. The plastic catches for the existing enclosure have now sheared off, after about 15 years' service. That particular design does not seem to be around any more. I would like tool-free access, seals for cable entry, wall-mounting, facility to terminate a flexible conduit for the LV pump outgoing feed. Searches seem to offer two basic variants, both of which I have already used for Christmas lights. The Masterplug WBX is nicely made, but I don't think it is big enough to accommodate the transformer. https://www.masterplug.com/uk/outdoor/accessories DriBox 330 is plenty big enough, but not really suitable for wall-mounting, and not intended for permanent installation. http://dri-box.com/ Any other suggestions? Chris -- Chris J Dixon Nottingham UK @ChrisJDixon1 Plant amazing Acers. |
Weatherproof electrical enclosure
On 10/02/2021 13:34, Chris J Dixon wrote:
On an external wall I have a pair of weatherproof sockets, and from one of them I run a plug lead feed to a box housing a timer and the transformer for my water feature pump, which is off during winter. I also use the timer to feed some of my Christmas lights. The plastic catches for the existing enclosure have now sheared off, after about 15 years' service. That particular design does not seem to be around any more. I would like tool-free access, seals for cable entry, wall-mounting, facility to terminate a flexible conduit for the LV pump outgoing feed. Searches seem to offer two basic variants, both of which I have already used for Christmas lights. The Masterplug WBX is nicely made, but I don't think it is big enough to accommodate the transformer. https://www.masterplug.com/uk/outdoor/accessories DriBox 330 is plenty big enough, but not really suitable for wall-mounting, and not intended for permanent installation. http://dri-box.com/ Any other suggestions? This one is 380 x 300 x 18mm: https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/GWBX15127.html Other sizes available. See Bottom quarter of page (Weatherproof - IP56 Moulded Boxes) at: https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Boxes_and_Enclosures_Index/Boxes_Adaptable_Moulded/index.html -- Jeff |
Weatherproof electrical enclosure
On 10/02/2021 13:34, Chris J Dixon wrote:
On an external wall I have a pair of weatherproof sockets, and from one of them I run a plug lead feed to a box housing a timer and the transformer for my water feature pump, which is off during winter. I also use the timer to feed some of my Christmas lights. The plastic catches for the existing enclosure have now sheared off, after about 15 years' service. That particular design does not seem to be around any more. I would like tool-free access, seals for cable entry, wall-mounting, facility to terminate a flexible conduit for the LV pump outgoing feed. Searches seem to offer two basic variants, both of which I have already used for Christmas lights. The Masterplug WBX is nicely made, but I don't think it is big enough to accommodate the transformer. https://www.masterplug.com/uk/outdoor/accessories DriBox 330 is plenty big enough, but not really suitable for wall-mounting, and not intended for permanent installation. http://dri-box.com/ Any other suggestions? Chris If the current box is still sound it's not difficult to find over-centre catches to DIY a repair. |
Weatherproof electrical enclosure
Jeff Layman wrote:
On 10/02/2021 13:34, Chris J Dixon wrote: On an external wall I have a pair of weatherproof sockets, and from one of them I run a plug lead feed to a box housing a timer and the transformer for my water feature pump, which is off during winter. I also use the timer to feed some of my Christmas lights. The plastic catches for the existing enclosure have now sheared off, after about 15 years' service. That particular design does not seem to be around any more. I would like tool-free access, seals for cable entry, wall-mounting, facility to terminate a flexible conduit for the LV pump outgoing feed. Searches seem to offer two basic variants, both of which I have already used for Christmas lights. The Masterplug WBX is nicely made, but I don't think it is big enough to accommodate the transformer. https://www.masterplug.com/uk/outdoor/accessories DriBox 330 is plenty big enough, but not really suitable for wall-mounting, and not intended for permanent installation. http://dri-box.com/ Any other suggestions? This one is 380 x 300 x 18mm: https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/GWBX15127.html Other sizes available. See Bottom quarter of page (Weatherproof - IP56 Moulded Boxes) at: https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Boxes_and_Enclosures_Index/Boxes_Adaptable_Moulded/index.html Thanks for those, but they seem to miss two items in my target specification: tool-free access, seals for cable entry. Chris -- Chris J Dixon Nottingham UK @ChrisJDixon1 Plant amazing Acers. |
Weatherproof electrical enclosure
wrote:
On 10/02/2021 13:34, Chris J Dixon wrote: The plastic catches for the existing enclosure have now sheared off, after about 15 years' service. That particular design does not seem to be around any more. Any other suggestions? If the current box is still sound it's not difficult to find over-centre catches to DIY a repair. That may well be worth investigation. Any particular recommendations? Chris -- Chris J Dixon Nottingham UK @ChrisJDixon1 Plant amazing Acers. |
Weatherproof electrical enclosure
On 10/02/2021 13:34, Chris J Dixon wrote:
On an external wall I have a pair of weatherproof sockets, and from one of them I run a plug lead feed to a box housing a timer and the transformer for my water feature pump, which is off during winter. I also use the timer to feed some of my Christmas lights. The plastic catches for the existing enclosure have now sheared off, after about 15 years' service. That particular design does not seem to be around any more. I would like tool-free access, seals for cable entry, wall-mounting, facility to terminate a flexible conduit for the LV pump outgoing feed. Searches seem to offer two basic variants, both of which I have already used for Christmas lights. The Masterplug WBX is nicely made, but I don't think it is big enough to accommodate the transformer. https://www.masterplug.com/uk/outdoor/accessories DriBox 330 is plenty big enough, but not really suitable for wall-mounting, and not intended for permanent installation. http://dri-box.com/ Any other suggestions? Try a din rail enclosure. I used one of these to house a circuit breaker, https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and pop a couple of these in it https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DIN-RAIL-...-/182764232004 Chris -- Ideas are more powerful than guns. We would not let our enemies have guns, why should we let them have ideas? Josef Stalin |
Weatherproof electrical enclosure
On 10/02/2021 14:54, Chris J Dixon wrote:
Jeff Layman wrote: On 10/02/2021 13:34, Chris J Dixon wrote: On an external wall I have a pair of weatherproof sockets, and from one of them I run a plug lead feed to a box housing a timer and the transformer for my water feature pump, which is off during winter. I also use the timer to feed some of my Christmas lights. The plastic catches for the existing enclosure have now sheared off, after about 15 years' service. That particular design does not seem to be around any more. I would like tool-free access, seals for cable entry, wall-mounting, facility to terminate a flexible conduit for the LV pump outgoing feed. Searches seem to offer two basic variants, both of which I have already used for Christmas lights. The Masterplug WBX is nicely made, but I don't think it is big enough to accommodate the transformer. https://www.masterplug.com/uk/outdoor/accessories DriBox 330 is plenty big enough, but not really suitable for wall-mounting, and not intended for permanent installation. http://dri-box.com/ Any other suggestions? This one is 380 x 300 x 18mm: https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/GWBX15127.html Other sizes available. See Bottom quarter of page (Weatherproof - IP56 Moulded Boxes) at: https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Boxes_and_Enclosures_Index/Boxes_Adaptable_Moulded/index.html Thanks for those, but they seem to miss two items in my target specification: tool-free access, seals for cable entry. Oh dear! I should read the spec! Well, these aren't exactly to spec, either, but are better. The "tool" to open can be left in place, and cable entry should be relatively easy to deal with (perhaps with the "Hockey sticks" on page 6): https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Technical/DataSheets/Mitras/Meterboxes_Brochure.pdf -- Jeff |
Weatherproof electrical enclosure
On 10/02/2021 14:59, Chris J Dixon wrote:
wrote: On 10/02/2021 13:34, Chris J Dixon wrote: The plastic catches for the existing enclosure have now sheared off, after about 15 years' service. That particular design does not seem to be around any more. Any other suggestions? If the current box is still sound it's not difficult to find over-centre catches to DIY a repair. That may well be worth investigation. Any particular recommendations? Chris errr, try searching for overcentre catch |
Weatherproof electrical enclosure
wrote:
On 10/02/2021 14:59, Chris J Dixon wrote: wrote: On 10/02/2021 13:34, Chris J Dixon wrote: The plastic catches for the existing enclosure have now sheared off, after about 15 years' service. That particular design does not seem to be around any more. Any other suggestions? If the current box is still sound it's not difficult to find over-centre catches to DIY a repair. That may well be worth investigation. Any particular recommendations? errr, try searching for overcentre catch Yes, I have done so,and the choice is vast. I was simply wondering if you had personally done that which you are suggesting, and been happy with what you used, or simply offering an option. Chris -- Chris J Dixon Nottingham UK @ChrisJDixon1 Plant amazing Acers. |
Weatherproof electrical enclosure
On 10/02/2021 18:12, Chris J Dixon wrote:
wrote: On 10/02/2021 14:59, Chris J Dixon wrote: wrote: On 10/02/2021 13:34, Chris J Dixon wrote: The plastic catches for the existing enclosure have now sheared off, after about 15 years' service. That particular design does not seem to be around any more. Any other suggestions? If the current box is still sound it's not difficult to find over-centre catches to DIY a repair. That may well be worth investigation. Any particular recommendations? errr, try searching for overcentre catch Yes, I have done so,and the choice is vast. I was simply wondering if you had personally done that which you are suggesting, and been happy with what you used, or simply offering an option. Chris They are simple devices, just choose one that will fit whatever space you've got. Personally, on a box with mains inside, I would want to be able to padlock the box shut so would choose one with appropriate lugs. |
Weatherproof electrical enclosure
Chris J Dixon wrote:
Any other suggestions? The BG model WP23L has a deep cover to accommodate wall warts etc ... https://www.bgelectrical.uk/public/downloads/data-sheets/weatherproof/WP21_WP22_WP23_WP24_13amp_Socket_Outlets.pdf https://www.sparkswarehouse.com/products/WP23L-weatherproof-13A-1-gang-double-pole-unswitched-socket-large-housing |
Weatherproof electrical enclosure
wrote:
On 10/02/2021 18:12, Chris J Dixon wrote: wrote: On 10/02/2021 14:59, Chris J Dixon wrote: wrote: On 10/02/2021 13:34, Chris J Dixon wrote: The plastic catches for the existing enclosure have now sheared off, after about 15 years' service. That particular design does not seem to be around any more. Any other suggestions? If the current box is still sound it's not difficult to find over-centre catches to DIY a repair. That may well be worth investigation. Any particular recommendations? errr, try searching for overcentre catch They are simple devices, just choose one that will fit whatever space you've got. Personally, on a box with mains inside, I would want to be able to padlock the box shut so would choose one with appropriate lugs. I have no need to lock the box. In any case, the box already has provision for this. Everything inside is touch-safe, and would be perfectly fine indoors. I just need to keep it dry. However, you have now made me wonder if it is wise to bolt unearthed metal catches to a plastic box? Chris -- Chris J Dixon Nottingham UK @ChrisJDixon1 Plant amazing Acers. |
Weatherproof electrical enclosure
wrote:
If the current box is still sound it's not difficult to find over-centre catches to DIY a repair. That's a good idea, but I am now wondering if it is wise to bolt unearthed metal catches to a plastic box containing electrical equipment? Everything is touch safe, and would be fine to be exposed, if indoors. Chris -- Chris J Dixon Nottingham UK @ChrisJDixon1 Plant amazing Acers. |
Weatherproof electrical enclosure
On 19/02/2021 09:39, Chris J Dixon wrote:
wrote: If the current box is still sound it's not difficult to find over-centre catches to DIY a repair. That's a good idea, but I am now wondering if it is wise to bolt unearthed metal catches to a plastic box containing electrical equipment? Everything is touch safe, and would be fine to be exposed, if indoors. Chris That will depend on clearance distances inside the box. If you're concerned you could create a cover over the fixings inside the box |
Weatherproof electrical enclosure
On 19/02/2021 10:17, wrote:
On 19/02/2021 09:39, Chris J Dixon wrote: wrote: If the current box is still sound it's not difficult to find over-centre catches to DIY a repair. That's a good idea, but I am now wondering if it is wise to bolt unearthed metal catches to a plastic box containing electrical equipment? Everything is touch safe, and would be fine to be exposed, if indoors. Chris That will depend on clearance distances inside the box. If you're concerned you could create a cover over the fixings inside the box Just bolt them on with plastic screws. That is what I have done when mounting a central heating relay box by bolting it through a support that can be accessed from the back. |
Weatherproof electrical enclosure
On 19/02/2021 12:42, Steve Walker wrote:
On 19/02/2021 10:17, wrote: On 19/02/2021 09:39, Chris J Dixon wrote: wrote: If the current box is still sound it's not difficult to find over-centre catches to DIY a repair. That's a good idea, but I am now wondering if it is wise to bolt unearthed metal catches to a plastic box containing electrical equipment? Everything is touch safe, and would be fine to be exposed, if indoors. Chris That will depend on clearance distances inside the box. If you're concerned you could create a cover over the fixings inside the box Just bolt them on with plastic screws. That is what I have done when mounting a central heating relay box by bolting it through a support that can be accessed from the back. I've used plastic screws for static things, but I didn't suggest that in this case because I didn't know whether they would cope with the loading from an over-centre catch. |
Weatherproof electrical enclosure
On 19/02/2021 10:17, wrote:
On 19/02/2021 09:39, Chris J Dixon wrote: wrote: If the current box is still sound it's not difficult to find over-centre catches to DIY a repair. That's a good idea, but I am now wondering if it is wise to bolt unearthed metal catches to a plastic box containing electrical equipment? Everything is touch safe, and would be fine to be exposed, if indoors. Chris That will depend on clearance distances inside the box. If you're concerned you could create a cover over the fixings inside the box I said it before but was ignored http://vps.templar.co.uk/Odds%20and%20Ends/box2.JPG Standard weatherproof 'sub consumer unit' DIN rail box. You can fit anything in it that sits on a DIN rail. so switches and 13A sockets are available - and you fill up the spare space with blankin``````````````````````g plates https://www.amazon.co.uk/Enclosure-O.../dp/B07CJS3J6L https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DIN-RAIL-...-/182764232004 knock out or drill cable connections and fit whatever glands you want. Screw through back to wall etc and then mastic the screw holes. No user touchable metal involved. Neat and workmanlike -- The urge to save humanity is almost always a false front for the urge to rule. – H. L. Mencken, American journalist, 1880-1956 |
Weatherproof electrical enclosure
On 19/02/2021 15:25, wrote:
On 19/02/2021 12:42, Steve Walker wrote: On 19/02/2021 10:17, wrote: On 19/02/2021 09:39, Chris J Dixon wrote: wrote: If the current box is still sound it's not difficult to find over-centre catches to DIY a repair. That's a good idea, but I am now wondering if it is wise to bolt unearthed metal catches to a plastic box containing electrical equipment? Everything is touch safe, and would be fine to be exposed, if indoors. Chris That will depend on clearance distances inside the box. If you're concerned you could create a cover over the fixings inside the box Just bolt them on with plastic screws. That is what I have done when mounting a central heating relay box by bolting it through a support that can be accessed from the back. I've used plastic screws for static things, but I didn't suggest that in this case because I didn't know whether they would cope with the loading from an over-centre catch. It's only holding a lid shut, it is not a heavily loaded item like a case, so it only needs small, lightly loaded catches. |
Weatherproof electrical enclosure
The Natural Philosopher wrote:
On 19/02/2021 10:17, wrote: On 19/02/2021 09:39, Chris J Dixon wrote: wrote: If the current box is still sound it's not difficult to find over-centre catches to DIY a repair. That's a good idea, but I am now wondering if it is wise to bolt unearthed metal catches to a plastic box containing electrical equipment? Everything is touch safe, and would be fine to be exposed, if indoors. Chris That will depend on clearance distances inside the box. If you're concerned you could create a cover over the fixings inside the box I said it before but was ignored http://vps.templar.co.uk/Odds%20and%20Ends/box2.JPG Standard weatherproof 'sub consumer unit' DIN rail box. You can fit anything in it that sits on a DIN rail. so switches and 13A sockets are available - and you fill up the spare space with blankin``````````````````````g plates https://www.amazon.co.uk/Enclosure-O.../dp/B07CJS3J6L https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DIN-RAIL-...-/182764232004 knock out or drill cable connections and fit whatever glands you want. Screw through back to wall etc and then mastic the screw holes. No user touchable metal involved. Neat and workmanlike Thanks. I did see your suggestion last time, but it doesn't meet my spec. I would like tool-free access, and provision for simply laying cables in under seals, as required. None of the intended contents, which I already have, are DIN mounted. Chris -- Chris J Dixon Nottingham UK @ChrisJDixon1 Plant amazing Acers. |
Weatherproof electrical enclosure
Steve Walker wrote:
On 19/02/2021 15:25, wrote: On 19/02/2021 12:42, Steve Walker wrote: Just bolt them on with plastic screws. That is what I have done when mounting a central heating relay box by bolting it through a support that can be accessed from the back. I've used plastic screws for static things, but I didn't suggest that in this case because I didn't know whether they would cope with the loading from an over-centre catch. It's only holding a lid shut, it is not a heavily loaded item like a case, so it only needs small, lightly loaded catches. The job is now done, thanks to all for their contributions. Selecting the right components took much longer than actually doing the job. I used these catches https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/233457076441 with some M5 nylon fittings. The catches were just right for the size and shape of the box I had to work with, and had sufficient adjustment to get the compression correct. I may slip a nyloc nut on to prevent further movement. An oversight was that the handle side needed countersunk heads to avoid a foul. I used woodscrews into offcuts inside the box, which effectively prevented them from being accidentally exposed to any electrical contact. Chris -- Chris J Dixon Nottingham UK @ChrisJDixon1 Plant amazing Acers. |
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